Basics of RFID Technology

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• What is RFID ?
• RFID stands for Radio Frequency identification.
• Wireless non-contact use of radio-frequency
  electromagnetic fields to transfer data
• For the purpose of automatic identification
  tracking of tags attached to assets

• Types
• RFID tags may or may not have a battery in them.
• Those that do not have a battery are called
  passive tags
• Those that use a battery are called active tags.
  The battery mostly assists in boosting the read
  range of the RFID tag.
• Passive tags are powered by the RF signal from
  the interrogator/reader

• Frequencies
• LF Low frequency _at_ 125 khz
• HF High frequency _at_ 13.56 Mhz
• UHF Ultra high frequency _at_ 860 960 Mhz

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• Why 3 different frequencies ?
• Different applications demand different
  frequencies to be effective operational
• LF tags are ideal for reading metal objects or
  objects with high water content such as fruit
  veg/Animals. But the read rage is limited to
  inches or cms.
• HF tags work fairly well on metal objects and
  objects with medium to high water content. Max
  read range is 3 feet to 1 meter
• UHF offers better read ranges(inches to 50ft ,
  depending on the strength of the RFID
  reader/interrogator), can transfer data much
  faster, however since they have a shorter wave
  length compared to LF or HF tags, the signal does
  not pass through metal or objects with water
  content

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RFID Tag construction

• An RFID tag comprises of essentially 2 parts
• First an antenna for transmitting receiving
  radio frequency signals. There are several types
  of antenna designs and shapes depending on the
  application.
• Second RFID Chip or IC (integrated circuit),
  which stores the tags ID and other info. This is
  the heart of the RFID tag. The brain of the tag.
  An IC is essentially a microchip.
• In an RFID tag both antenna IC are bonded
  together to form an operational RFID inlay or
  transponder. NOTE not all ICs are compatible
  with any one antenna design. An antenna needs to
  be designed around the IC and tuned according to
  the ICs frequency for optimal performance.
  Antenna designs are also at times copyright
  protected. We also design antennas in-house to
  suit compatibility with different ICs

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RFID Inlays v/s RFID Label

• RFID Inlay Antenna IC
• Dry Inlay Antenna IC on a carrier substrate.
• Wet Inlay Antenna IC on a carrier substrate
  adhesive
• RFID inlay Converter/Manufacturer RFID
  Label/Tag
•  An RFID tag is a label that has an RFID inlay
  inserted between the label facestock and liner.

• For different applications, we choose different
  FACE Base stocks for performance
  functionality criteria

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Types of RFID Tags

• Essentially there are 2 types of tags
• Hard tags RFID inlay/transponder enclosed
  within a hard shall casing, providing
  significantly enhanced durability making them
  ideal for outdoor use or rough environments.
  These can be applied by adhesive or screwed onto
  surfaces.
• Soft tags (flexible) RFID inlay/transponder
  sandwiched between paper or filmic materials.
  Tags are flexible and popular in places where
  excessive durability is not required.

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How RFID works Implementation of RFID requires 3
major components RFID readers Antennas Tags,
in order to function
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Benefits of RFID v Barcodes
RFID is not the best fit for every application.
The technology may be expensive depending on the
size of the application. The ROI must justify the
expense. In several cases RFID is the right
fit. But many other times, barcodes may be a more
economical solution. Below some benefits of RFID
over barcodes
Unlike barcodes, RFID tags dont not require Line of Sight access to be read.
RFID tags can be printed with a barcode too.
Each RFID tag has a unique identification number, so its possible to distinguish each item within the same batch of product as well.
RFID can store more data/info compared to a barcode
Each barcode must be individually scanned. Multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously and entering into the system much faster.
A barcode can only be read data cannot be changed once its been printed onto a label. RFID tags can be read and the data on the tag can be re-written or modified
Barcodes are easily counterfeited. The barcode can be read and re-generated. RFID tags can be encrypted so it is difficult to replicate RFID tags.

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Typical RFID Applications

• Access management and control
• Tracking of goods
• Toll collection and contactless payment
• E-passports
• Airport baggage tracking logistics
• Contactless payment cards.
• Transponders in car keys for remote and secure
  access to the car. If the car is started by a
  fake key, the system in the car will check the IC
  in the car key and if it does not detect the
  correct IC, it will shut down the car.

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• Livestock and pet identification for secure
  livestock identification for financing, tracing
  livestock history to effectively tackle livestock
  related issues such as mad cow disease,
  identifying lost pets, etc.
• Managing library books
• Transit tickets
• Inventory management
• Waste Management
• Supply Chain

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RFID Wristbands

• Types
• Direct thermal printable Adhesive closure
• Poly RFID wristbands Adhesive closure
• Tyvek RFID wristbands Adhesive closure

• Advantages of RFID WB
• Access control Fast access (imagine 100s of
  people entering exiting a waterpark at the same
  time)
• Avoids counterfeit due to UID
• Fast payment transactions without physical cash
  handling
• Locker access
• Photo management services
• Loyalty programs
• Data Analytics
• Marketing Brand boosting

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Race Timing solutions Running races/Live
Timing/Triathlons/Cycling races

• Types
• Number Bibs
• Ankle Band
• Shoe Tag
• Cycling Bike Labels
• T-Tag

• Advantages of RFID Bibs
• Athletes receive the most accurate time
  measurement of their race
• Precise tracking when athlete crosses each
  checkpoint or way point.

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Smart labels

• This section contains a wide range of RFID tags
  using HF primarily UHF technology. These come
  in different shapes sizes and the construction
  of the tag depends on the intended application.
  Some are small to be applied on smaller surfaces.
  Some are thin long in length for a better read
  distance and so on. Some applications as below
• Heat resistant labels
• Mount on metal labels
• Logistics supply chain (warehouse, stock
  management, dispatch, documents)
• HF tags for Library solutions
• Labels for tagging laptops, computers, servers etc

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Apparel/Retail Tags

• Types
• Hang Tag
• Pocket tag
• Blank paper sticker

• Advantages of RFID in Apparel
• Reduces risks of loss or theft/counterfeit
• Real time stock management (production till shop
  floor
• Increased sales profit margins
• Reduced Out-of-stock

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RFID Windshield tags

• Two main application areas
• Parking
• Highway tolling application
• Applied to windscreens of cars Ideal for secure
  access control into gated communities, company
  secured parking etc. Each car gets a RFID
  windshield tag with a unique identification
  number.
• Also applicable for automatic toll collection. In
  several countries, you have to queue on the
  highway to pay the toll. There are problems of
  not having the exact change when giving notes of
  larger value. The RFID windshield tag works in
  the same way as a prepaid phone number. It
  automatically debits your account as you pass a
  tolling booth on a highway without stopping. This
  makes traffic flow easy too. Tags are tamper
  evident and self destruct upon any attempt to
  take off(this is a major security requirement for
  this product)

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Primary points of consideration when selecting an
RFID tag

• What type of surface will you be tagging? On
  metal, plastic, wood, etc.?
• What read range do you desire?
• Size limitations (i.e. the tag can be no larger
  than x by y by z inches)?
• Any excessive environmental conditions to
  consider? Excessive heat, cold, moisture, impact,
  etc.?
• Method of attachment? Adhesive, epoxy,
  rivets/screws, cable ties, etc.?

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To know more, visit http//www.syndicaterfid.co
m http//www.syndicategroup.net